Thai Ridgeback vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison

Thai Ridgeback vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed ComparisonNorfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Thai Ridgeback is originated from Thailand. Norfolk Terrier may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Thai Ridgeback. Norfolk Terrier may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Thai Ridgeback. Both Norfolk Terrier and Thai Ridgeback has almost same life span. Both Norfolk Terrier and Thai Ridgeback has almost same litter size. Both Norfolk Terrier and Thai Ridgeback requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Thailand
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
4 - 6
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Norfolk
Thai Ridgeback Dog • TRD • Mah Thai • Thai Dog • Mah Thai Lung Arn
Colors Available:
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
brown, red or blue, black
Coat:
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
short, straight with ridge
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

norfolk terrierIt was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

thai ridgebackUntil recently the Thai Ridgeback was not known outside of its native land. However, after being recently recognized as a standard breed, the dogs are getting some notice from the western world. They are one of three known ridgeback breeds with the ridge running the opposite direction of the rest of her fur. The other breeds with this characteristic are the better known Rhodesian Ridgeback and the even lesser known Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

The Thai Ridgeback is believed to have originated in eastern Thailand but there is no documentation of their actual history. The breed is thought to be descended from the Funan Ridgeback based on a genetic hypothesis. It is thought that the same Funan Ridgeback is an ancestor od the Phu Quoc Dog. This Funan Ridgeback lived over a century ago. Along with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, all have a common ridgebearing ancestor.

It is still unknown where the original ridge came from but it has been shown that all of the ridgeback dogs have the same genetic mutation and even though the Rhodisian is from Africa, there is not a parallel mutation. The Thai Ridgeback is an active, energetic, tough dog. He is loyal, intelligent, and has great jumping ability.

Description

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

thai ridgeback puppy - descriptionThe breed is medium in size and muscular in body. They have a wedge shaped head, a short coat that is smooth and pricked, triangular ears. The ridge on his back is pronounced as the hair grows away from the rest of the coat from the hips to the withers. Puppies can be born with or without the ridge. They are extremely agile. With what is often called a sword tail being carried up, the Ridgeback has wrinkles on his forehead, a black tongue or the tongue has black marks, and almond shaped eyes.

The coat sheds minimally and is dense, while the eyes are usually brown – in blue dogs they can be amber. The color of the coat is fawn, red, black or blue with a black mask on the reds. There are 8 different ridge patterns: Feather, violin, saddleback, needle, arrow, bowling pin, lute, and leaf. The broader the ridge the better the dog is considered for show.

There are two epistatic genes that determine the ridge and its size. The more genes of this type the individual dog has, the broader the ridge will be. There must be a dominant gene for the ridge to appear at all.

Characteristics

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

. Children friendliness – Must be well socialized into the family.

2.Special talents – jumping and agility.

3.Adaptability – not good. Needs a high, unclimbable fense.

4.Learning ability – can be stubborn and independent.

Health Problems

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

thai ridgeback puppies - health problemsWith such a mysterious origin, there are not a lot of documented episodes of genetic illness as the breed has been isolated in Thailand and natural selection has driven reproduction. There are only a few issues that they are genetically predisposed to. These include:

• Dermoid Sinus – this is a genetic skin condition known as pilonidal sinus as well. This is a defect in the neural tube and the sinus might be removed. If the sinus is wrapped around the spinal cord and cannot be removed it can be tied off.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Bloat – can be terminal if not treated as soon as possible. Bloat is a distension of the stomach and intestines which can twist and tangle, killing the dog almost immediately without veterinary attention.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

thai ridgeback dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppy - Don’t over feed the puppy as they are inclined to become obese. Feed a high quality protein rich puppy for medium breeds. Feed in 3-4 smaller meals per day. As he grows be aware of bloat possibilities.

2. Feeding the adult dog - The risk of bloat is even greater in the adult and so is the risk of obesity. Don’t feed large meals and don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise. Feed in 2 smaller meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health - Agile and muscular.

4. Games and Exercises – Energetic and needs serious exercise. She loves to swim, retrieve, hike, hunt, and catch frisbees. Likes search and rescue and guard dog work.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Thai Ridgeback vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Thai Ridgeback vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Thai Ridgeback vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Thai Ridgeback vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Thai Ridgeback vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Thai Ridgeback vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Thai Ridgeback vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Thai Ridgeback vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Thai Ridgeback vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Thai Ridgeback vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Thai Ridgeback vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Thai Ridgeback vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Thai Ridgeback vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Thai Ridgeback vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Thai Ridgeback vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Thai Ridgeback vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Thai Ridgeback vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Thai Ridgeback vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Thai Ridgeback vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Thai Ridgeback vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Thai Ridgeback vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Thai Ridgeback vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Thai Ridgeback vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Thai Ridgeback vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Thai Ridgeback vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Norfolk Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Norfolk Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Norfolk Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Norfolk Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norfolk Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Norfolk Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Norfolk Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Norfolk Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Norfolk Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Norfolk Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Norfolk Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Norfolk Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Norfolk Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Norfolk Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Norfolk Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Norfolk Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Norfolk Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Norfolk Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Norfolk Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Norfolk Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Norfolk Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Norfolk Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Norfolk Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison